Tweed: More Than 20 Contemporary Designs to Knit by Nancy J. Thomas is not your typical knitting book. Most knitting books are either instructional or patterns. This hardbound volume is loaded with patterns and color photographs. But the first chapter of this book is about tweed. Not just the yarn, but the fabric. It’s history, it’s origins, the process of creating true tweed fabrics and yarns, even how to choose the proper wool to create tweed.

Let’s be honest, though. The main reason we buy knitting books is for the patterns. While the projects are beautiful and highlight the tweed yarn beautifully, they are just somewhat uninspired. Personally, when I look for knitting patterns, I am looking for something unique, something interesting, something that I haven’t seen elsewhere. These patterns are lovely and classic, but certainly not unique.

How about some highlights and lowlights? The Ulst Mitered Scarf is a wonderful color combination and a sleek design. The Northern Ireland Peplum Sweater is a feminine piece with a lace peplum that is definitely unique. The Outer Hebrides Sampler Throw is a cozy afghan with an awesome selection of leaf-cables designs, and a variety of stitch patterns, but it looks quite daunting to take on. The Kilcar Felted Pillow won’t fit every décor, but it is a cool pattern. Might be good for a rustic cabin.

Less enticing patterns include the Tweed River Pullover, a very simple, basic mock turtleneck with ribbed edging. No shaping makes this piece simple to knit but lacks excitement. The Harris-Style Sampler Cardigan wouldn’t be so bad if it didn’t have that tacky sideways fringe down the front placket. The Stornaway Vest is another shapeless knit that is not quite “fashion-forward.” The Galway Tie-Front Cardigan is similarly dowdy, with odd sleeves just an inch or two too short. There is also a version of the classic Chanel Tweed Jacket. I have seen numerous knitting patterns for Chanel jackets, and I’m not impressed with any of them. Treat yourself to the real thing or go in a different direction all together.

The photographs in this hardbound volume are stunning, crisp, and clear, as are the instructions. I like that each chapter is organized by skill level, starting with beginner patterns. Young and hip knitting, this isn’t. Are you a classic knitter, or knitting for someone with a more classic, weekend-in-the-country-home-with-the-hounds kind of person? Then this book is key.